Matt Wells asked Mary Kubica:

Hello Mary. I need advice on writing stories. I'm hopeful to become an author someday and publish my stories. I really enjoy, writing, yet I get writers block frequently which stops me from writing. I also get ideas for other stories which keep me from, finishing stories I was writing at one time. How do I overcome writers block and get ideas for stories I'm already writing?

Mary Kubica I think this is a problem many writers face. What helps me with writer's block is getting away from my manuscript for a little while. Whether I'm cleaning the house, running errands, exercising, etc. - it often helps me sort through a tricky plot issue better than staring at a blank computer screen (which is no fun at all). In order to stay invested in one story and not want to shift from manuscript to manuscript, I'd encourage you to write every single day. Even it it's only for 15 or 30 minutes each day. That keeps you involved in these characters' lives and truly invested in what happens to them. If you get other story ideas in the meantime, jot the premise down someplace safe, but set it aside and come back to it at another time. It's tempting to move to a new idea when it's so fresh and new, but try to force yourself to see one manuscript through. Have you tried outlining in advance of writing? That works great for some authors. The better planned out they are in advance, the less they fall victim to the dreaded writer's block. Are you part of a writer's group or do you have a critique partner? This might be very helpful to have someone to brainstorm with. Just a few suggestions. Best of luck to you.

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Did you have a lot of "no's" before you had your first published book? If so, what kept you to keep trying?

A Goodreads user asked Mary Kubica:

I try to write a novel I thought about... And after some days I get a story that I THINK is better... So the result is that I can never write more than four chapters of a book... Do you have any advice for me?

Alli asked Mary Kubica:

Hi Mary! Your stories always have amazing twists in them and each story is there own! How do you come up with your story ideas? What is your inspiration? Do you have the story all planned out in your mind before hand or start with an idea and branch off from there?

All answers from Mary Kubica…

Mary Kubica

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Did you have a lot of "no's" before you had your first published book? If so, what kept you to keep trying?

I try to write a novel I thought about... And after some days I get a story that I THINK is better... So the result is that I can never write more than four chapters of a book... Do you have any advice for me?

Hi Mary! Your stories always have amazing twists in them and each story is there own! How do you come up with your story ideas? What is your inspiration? Do you have the story all planned out in your mind before hand or start with an idea and branch off from there?

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